3-Week radiation blast could spare seniors from 7 weeks of treatment

NCT ID NCT04284540

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a shorter radiation schedule (3 weeks instead of 6-7) for head and neck cancer in people aged 70 and older. The goal was to see if it could still control the cancer while reducing side effects and treatment gaps. 37 participants received either adjuvant or definitive hypofractionated radiation.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

radiation therapy (hypofractionation)

What this could lead to

If successful, this shorter radiation schedule could make treatment easier for older patients and reduce side effects while still controlling the cancer.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study with only 37 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The shorter schedule might not control the cancer as well as standard treatment.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Mount Sinai Chelsea

    New York, New York, 10011, United States

  • Mount Sinai Downtown Union Square

    New York, New York, 10003, United States

  • Mount Sinai Hospital

    New York, New York, 10029, United States

  • Mount Sinai West

    New York, New York, 10019, United States